Method and Apparatus For Using Cues and Music During Exercise Routine

ABSTRACT

A method of instructing, motivating and influencing a user&#39;s exercise routine using cues and music is disclosed.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates, generally, to a computer-implementedmethod of instructing, motivating and influencing a user's exerciseroutine using cues and music. In particular, this invention relates to asystem that provides exercise instruction and music to a person. Thesystem has the ability to factor in beats per minute from digital audiofiles with a specific type of exercise instruction. The system alsoallows the user to search for music that fits into the one or morestages of exercise instruction. Optional settings such as integrateddifficulty setting, multiple exercise modalities options, cardiovascularmonitoring, foot pressure monitoring, topography maps, timed classes,and the like can also be incorporated into the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Increasing awareness of health benefits derived from physical exerciseand participation in athletic events has resulted in an increase in thenumbers of individuals engaged in such activities. Many individualstrain or work out in clubs or indoor gyms using exercise equipment thatinclude various sensors for measuring physical and/or physiologicalparameters associated with the user's workout. For example, treadmills,elliptical trainers, stair steppers, stationary bicycles, and the likeoften provide electronic devices that measure or estimate variousphysical and/or physiological parameters associated with a workout ortraining exercise, such as the distance traveled, the elapsed time ofthe exercise, the altitude climbed, the inclination level, the movementrate, the heart rate, the power expended, the calories burned, the rateof calories burned, etc. In some gyms or clubs, data relating to anindividual's workout may be transmitted automatically from the exerciseequipment directly to a computer system and stored. Athletes, theirtrainers, and/or their coaches may gain access to this data, e.g., forpost-workout analysis, to gauge progress or improvement, to developfuture workout routines or plans, etc.

Some athletic workouts, training routines, or events simply do not lendthemselves to the use of indoor gyms and/or stationary exerciseequipment of the type described above. For example, long distancerunners (e.g., marathoners), cyclists, triathletes, and the liketypically cover long distances during each workout, and they must trainover a variety of different terrains and conditions. Such athletes alsomay quickly become bored when using stationary, indoor exerciseequipment for the length of time required to prepare for the events inwhich they compete. Moreover, some individuals simply prefer beingoutdoors and working out outdoors as compared to the confinements of anindoor gym or club. Working out individually and outdoors additionallyhas advantages over use of indoor facilities in that an individualoutdoor workout typically will not require club or gym memberships andtheir associated membership fees, thereby eliminating at least some ofthe expense involved in keeping fit and participating in athleticevents.

Recently, athletic performance monitoring systems utilizing globalpositioning satellite (“GPS”) data to provide data and information toathletes and/or to equipment used by athletes during an athletic eventhas been described. Also, a computing device that receives and analyzesdata indicating current physiology and movement of a user in order toprovide certain music that influences the user has been reported.

However, there is still a need in the art for other portable athleticperformance monitoring systems and methods that correlate measuredphysical and/or physiological data associated with an athleticperformance to other data collected during the performance including theelapsed time and/or distance in the performance. There also is a need inthe art for systems and methods that will automatically store dataassociated with an athletic performance and make it available toathletes, their coaches, and/or their trainers for post-performanceanalysis. There also is a need in the art for improved athleticperformance monitoring systems and methods that will allow athletes tobetter use data generated from past performances.

Accordingly, the instant invention utilizes a music-based system toprovide exercise-related instruction to a user, thereby fulfilling theneeds presented above.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a computer-implemented methodprovides a user with a combination of exercise instruction matched todigital music beats-per-minute (BPM). As described herein, the BPM isthe unit of measure for the tempo of the music in question. The methodcan be used for exercise specific routines, such as, indoor cycling,elliptical trainers, stair climbers or stationary row machines. Aspecific non-limiting example the method of the invention can be used inis a simulated indoor cycling class. The exercise instruction is in theform of verbal and/or visual cues to explain, for example, proper bodyalignment, including but not limited to, hip, spine, shoulder and handpositioning during exercise. The method of the present inventionprovides the user with one or more settings/options to 1) select musicfrom the user's own library to match the given class BPM segments; 2)control the difficulty level of the exercise program; 3) change theinstruction type; 4) connect to one or more external sensors such as aheart rate monitor, cadence-enabled sensors and Bluetooth-enabledsensors; and 5) adjust time settings. The method can also optionallyprovide for integrated software which will allow for variationscontrolled by the user, creating a vast number of workouts.

Accordingly, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that oneor more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while oneor more other aspects can meet certain other objectives. Each objectivemay not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of thisinvention. As such, the following objects can be viewed in thealternative with respect to any one aspect of this invention.

Other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent from this summary and the followingdescriptions of certain embodiments, and will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits andadvantages will be apparent from the above as taken into conjunctionwith the accompanying examples, data, and all reasonable inferences tobe drawn therefrom. The disclosures in this application of all articlesand references, including patents, are incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary user interfacefor a home page of the application.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary user interfacefor an exercises or classes screen of the application.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary user interfacefor a music playlist of the application.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of aprocessor system configured to implement the methods of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary user interfacefor instructing a user.

FIG. 6 is an example of a hand animation instruction that can beprovided to a user; a)-c) show different positions.

FIG. 7 is an example of a lower-body animation instruction that can beprovided to a user; a)-d) show different positions.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary user interfacefor a past performance of a user.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram illustrating an exemplary user interfacefor a user's past performances via statistics; a) first page includinggraph of heart rate; and b) second page including calories burned.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrating certain non-limiting aspects and embodiments of theinvention, and specifically referring now to the drawings in detailwherein like numbers represent like elements throughout, a methodcomprising a processor-based application comprising a multiple optionuser interface 500 is provided (FIG. 1). From the interface 500, a userobtains a set of data from a database 220 (see FIG. 4). Thus, the methodcan also comprise receiving exercise instructions and music from a setof data, the set of data comprising a set of exercise instructions and amusic list segmented by music beats-per-minute (BPM); inputting the setof data into a computer readable storage unit coupled to one or moreprocessors; configuring the processor to couple the exerciseinstructions with certain music; and deriving and storing in volatile ornon-volatile memory an association of the set of exercise instructionswith the certain music.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, FIG. 1 depicts an example ofthe top view and home screen of the mobile application as it appearsafter it completes loading from the initial start up/short cut. In oneembodiment, FIG. 1 consists of several user interfaces that arespecifically designed to customize a program based on selections made.Each interface in FIG. 1 instruct/lead the user to a decision which isused in calculations resulting in the desired workout format. Theinterface 500 has multiple functions and displays during operation ofthe application.

In a specific example and again referring to FIG. 1, which describes aspecific non-limiting example of the invention, the interface 500provides the user with an option to choose a specific exercise (forexample, a “Get To Class”) 1. By choosing this option, the user isredirected to another screen (FIG. 2) from which a specific type ofclass 10 can be chosen, such as, for example, indoor cycling, indoorrowing, stair climber, elliptical training, and the like, with eachclass having a plurality of sub-classes 12 from which to choose from.For example, and referring to FIG. 2, choosing the class 10 indoorcycling provides the user with a variety of indoor cycling sub-classes12 to choose from, such as Rolling Hills 12 a, Cali Cruise 12 b, WindyDay 12 c, Double Time 12 d, Interval Hills 12 e, and the like. Thesub-classes 12 can appear, for example, in a pop up screen. Additionaloptions can be presented in choosing a class, such as, for example, thelength of time, or duration, 14 the exercise is to be performed; theskill or difficulty level 16 of the particular exercise; and even arecollection of past performance results 18 for the user for any givenexercise (see FIGS. 8 and 9 for an example of a past performances and/orstatistics).

Once a selection is made, the application, in one embodiment, takes theuser back to the original screen (or home screen) as depicted in FIG. 1.The user then selects the music from, for example, a create playlistoption 2. In another embodiment, the user is not taken back to the homescreen, but is prompted with a create playlist 2 option in the screendepicted in FIG. 2 after the class 10 and all options thereto areselected.

Regardless, the create playlist 2 option takes the user to anotherscreen as depicted in FIG. 3. In an embodiment, the playlist 20 providesthe user with, for example, the option to select a custom playlist 22.The custom playlist allows the user to choose the BPM 20 b for eachelement 20 a of the class. By element is meant each individual sectionof the class, such as, for example, a warm-up section, a runningsection, a jumping section, and the like, to which is assigned aspecific BPM 26. Optionally, the artist's name 20 c, the track numberand/or title 20 d, and the duration of the track 20 e can also bedisplayed. The custom playlist 22 allows the user the ability to choosecertain songs based on the BPM 20 b. In other words, each element 20 awith its assigned BPM 20 b has a plurality of songs for the user tochoose from. In contrast, and representing another embodiment, the usercan elect to have the application choose the songs for each element 20 aof the selected class 10, or in other words, an “auto” option 24 fromthe playlist 20. Again, those songs have a particular BPM 20 b, whichcorrelates to the specific element 20 a of the class 10. The auto optionincludes, for example, the ability for the user to use a playlist 20previously created. Still another embodiment allows the user to connectto a shared playlist, such as, for example, an online community, 26enabling the user to create and share one or more playlists 20 shecreates through social networks. Once the class 10 and playlist 20 isselected, the user may start 28 his workout.

In certain other non-limiting examples, an optional skill level button16 depicted in FIG. 2, when depressed, can display one or more separateoptions, including but not limited to, increasing or decreasing the BPMstart up and rest period during operation. In other words, the skilllevel 16 can be, but does not necessarily have to be, related to theduration 18 of class 10. Once selected, the application can formulate,for example, rest periods, and set BPM 20 b settings for each element 20a of the class 10. The duration 18 button can also display the timeremaining by default, but regardless, when the duration button 18 isdepressed, the option of time lapse or time remaining can pop up on thescreen for the user.

Once the workout is defined by the class 10 and the playlist 20, theapplication provides a new screen dedicated to user instruction/cues(FIG. 5). This can be achieved automatically or by depressing a button.FIG. 5 is an example of a screen in which cues or instructions 30,either verbal 30 a or visual 30 b or both, are displayed. In FIG. 5, thebox marked with an “X” can be a display for the visual cues 30 b, andcan display such instruction (either a picture display or in text), forexample, as certain body position. Thus, the visual cue 30 b, can showthe user how to adjust his or her body into a given position usinganimations and other visual cues. For example, the visual cue 30 b canbe a display of a two-stage animation of the suggested hand (FIG. 6) andfoot position (FIG. 7) depending on the current body position theapplication has the user in. Preferably, the instruction screen 30 canalso display the duration 18, the heart rate of the user 32 if the useris wearing sensors (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,683,252,incorporated herein by reference), and the calories burned by a user 34during a particular workout.

The ability for the disclosed method to integrate its software withdigital music relies on its ability to play digital audio track(s) atthe same time as the verbal/visival cues 30 a and 30 b are given to theuser during the workout. The user also has the ability to initiate 36 orpause 38 the workout once started. Optionally, a countdown timer can bedisplayed at or near the duration display 18 to alert the user of thestart of workout. In addition, an optional button can be added to theinstruction screen 30 such that the user, at any point during herworkout, has a means to return to the original interface 500. Theinstruction screen 30 can also optionally allow the user to connect withonline communities 26 enabling the user to create, use and share theplaylists created in the individual community. The instruction screen 30can additionally allow the user to view past workouts 18 and to checksettings 39 of in-progress workouts.

In a specific example, a user can elect the specific exercise of indoorcycling, and a specific sub-class of, for example, Rolling Hills, CaliCruise, Windy Day, Double Time, Interval Hills, and the like from theclass screen. Once a playlist is selected, the computer readable storageunit uses an algorithm to differentiate between the program options.Upon the start of the application, the user is directed to theinstruction screen. The user will see the marker representing him/herwith the percentage completed and a mach map based on the time lapsed.The use of sensors such as cadence foot sensors and a heart rate monitorcan increase accuracy of distance and energy output. The skill levelinterface, when pressed, gives the user two or more choices in a pop upwindow. For example, novice, amateur, professional and elite can bedisplayed until the user makes a selection. This selection increases ordecreases the selected class segments BPM count, therefore changing thedifficulty of the workout. Simultaneously, the option screen disappearsand redirects the user back to the home screen with the selection madevisible in the skill level box. The skill level button uses anunderlying computer readable storage unit that increases the specifiedexercise modality's class segments BPM as the skill level moves fromnovice towards the elite. In an example, the computer readable storageunit calculates a higher BPM for each class segment for a user thatelects an elite skill level, as compared to, a lower BPM for each classsegment and longer rest period between class segments for a user thatelects a novice skill level. This algorithm uses the information fromthe duration button in determining not only the total time of theworkout but the intervals the user is experiencing during the workout.The algorithm distributes verbal and/or visual cues programmed into thecomputer readable storage unit and separates them according to theexercise program, skill level and duration selected.

When the class buttons, the skill select button and the duration button7 are filled in with the users selection, the start button ishighlighted and allows the user to begin the program by pressing thesame. Depressing the start button initializes several of the othercomponents and interfaces contained on the home screen, and subsequentlydirects the user to the instruction screen. The instruction screenprovides the user with specific verbal and/or visual instructions,including specific body position(s) the user is instructed to be induring the specific elements of the workout.

In an example, and referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, animations of handand foot positions are displayed when the user is instructed to be in aspecific position. The user is prompted to sit straight up with hipsflat in the saddle or seat 110, as shown in FIG. 7 a, of an indoorcycling bike, while maintaining a hand position closest to the user andmedial to the handle bars 100, as shown in FIG. 6 a. The proper hand,shoulder, foot and pelvic positions are displayed when the specificprogram requires the user to shift body position. Instructions have theuser altering between a seated position (FIG. 7 a) to having their hipspositioned slightly forward (FIGS. 7 b-7 c) and or raised off of thesaddle 110, depending on the specific instructions, informing the userto activate the rhomboids in their shoulder girdle to retract thescapulas and force the shoulders back while maintaining a forward chestand straight back. The hands also change positions on the handle bars100, as depicted in FIG. 6 a and FIG. 6 b, respectively.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a processor system 200configured to implement the methods of the invention disclosed herein. Aprocessing unit 240, for example, is a mainframe, server or mobiledevice coupled to an array of peripherals or a desktop computer or alaptop computer. Coupled to the processor are one or more databases 220which may themselves be coupled to additional processors.

During climbs and sprints, the user is required to alter the hips byraising them off of the saddle 110 vertically and slightly forward, asshown in FIG. 7 c, then returning to, or repeating from, the originalposition. This position tells the user, through animation, to maintainshoulder position while taking the hands to the furthest point away fromthe body on the handlebars 100 and as lateral position as can beobtained on the grips, as shown in FIG. 6 c.

The instruction screen, when activated during use, displays animationsof the last body position and how to adjust into the current bodyposition. These illustrations are synced with the BPM of the selectedprogram, giving the user a visual representation of the preferred orrecommended cadence for the users leg speed during exercise. Theseanimations, illustrated by the direction arrow 120 shown in FIGS. 7 band FIG. 7 d, show knee height 130 and speed changes, and toe angle 140and force direction during a specific point of the workout.

In a preferred embodiment, a display for the user's current heart rateis provided when the user is connected, via wire or wirelessly, using aheart rate monitor/sensors. Upon completion of the workout, the heartrate display can optionally become an interactive user interface,allowing the user to see, for example, his/her lowest heart rate count,highest heart rate count, and average heart beats per minute. Thisinformation is displayed in list, graph and/or spread sheet form.

In another preferred embodiment, the amount of calories used during theworkout session is displayed. The formula needed to ensure accuracy ofcalculations will include the user's information, such as, for example,his weight, height, age, gender, skill level and heart rate information.Once the workout is completed, the calorie display can optionally becomean interactive user interface.

In FIG. 4, a database of exercise instructions 206 segmented by digitalaudio BPM 20 b provides a set of data 210 to the processor 240. Suchdata 240 can be provided by an input drive 250, coupled to the processor240, or through an internet network 260 connection, either by hardwiredor wireless devices. The data 210 is stored in a computer readablestorage unit coupled 230 to the processor 240 and manipulated by a menucontrol system 260 coupled to the processor 240. As stated, theprocessor typically includes an input device 250, for example a mouse, akeyboard or touch screen, and a display device 270, for example amonitor screen or a smart phone. Such devices can be hardwired to theprocessor or connected wirelessly with appropriate software, firmwareand hardware. The display device 270 may optionally include a printer280 coupled to the processor 240. The printer 280 may be configured tomail or fax reports as determined by a user of the processor system 200.The network is constructed from a database or databases 220 that storesa predetermined set of exercise instructions and a correlating list ofmusic defined by BPM 20 b. The playlist is not predetermined based onthe workout, but the BPM (music) 20 b imbedded in the program ispredetermined in order to allow the user to upload a random playlist orcreate one from, for example, an internet search. This search can beconducted using a BPM analyzing software similar to a system and methodfor predicting musical keys from an audio source representing a musicalcomposition, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,842,878, incorporatedherein by reference. Based on the exercise selection, the processor 200,in turn, is configured to couple a set of exercise instructions withcertain music BPM 20 b, which is dependent on exercise and skillselections made by the user. The methods, as described herein, can be inthe form of a mobile application, i.e. the processor 200 can be a mobileapplication.

Other optional functions can also be incorporated into the instantmethod. For example, the user, from the settings button on theinstruction screen, can enter his/her email address in the allocatedspace. This option can also be linked to one or more social networkingsites, and information can be shared. Other options include a birthdayentry screen, a gender screen and a weight screen to allow the programto calculate for, for example, a proper heart rate during any givenprogram.

In another aspect, the invention is drawn to the combination of verbaland/or visual cues of an indoor cycling class being transmitted on thesame frequency as the user's music to eliminate sound dampening betweenthe verbal and digital music from their mobile device. Other aspects ofthis invention include indoor rowing classes, stair climbing classes andelliptical training classes. The instant invention pertains to acomputer-readable storage unit with the ability to integrate verbal cuesand digital music of the user's choosing, along with the ability to syncand overlay specific verbal cues designed to instruct a user through asimulated indoor cycling class while simultaneously and without volumedampening allowing the user to hear the desired music tracks from anymusic folder, directory, or file available to be played during theoperational phase. The aforementioned verbal cues refer to, but are notlimited to, the language spoken from an instructor before, during, andafter an indoor cycling class, indoor rowing session, stair climber useor elliptical training instruction. These cues allow the user tounderstand, participate and improve his cardiovascular endurance whileincreasing his neuromuscular awareness and overall health without beingin a class setting.

The user can select from one or a combination of genres of music, e.g.rock, dance, Top 40. The application takes the pre-programmed classsegmented BPM creates a playlist based on the BPM of the class and theuser's genre selection. The results are displayed in a list showing theseparate class segments, their BPM rating and the songs that match tothe specific class segments.

As an example, a class list shows the type of movement, the BPM ratingand the number of songs available. When a class segment is selected, theuser is directed to a list of songs available for that particular classsegment. This gives the user an option to customize her own playlist.Once chosen, the application places the selected song into the classsegment playlist. The selected songs, matching the BPM and user'spreference, are set into a random playlist or a custom playlist createdby the user, and played in conjunction with an audio recording of theindoor cycling class. The playback of the two will fluctuate in volume.As the voice instruction is given, the music volume is lowered to alevel that ensures the user hears a clear vocal instruction. The musicthen returns to the user's desired/preset volume once the instruction isover. The user has the option to increase or decrease this ratio tohis/her preference.

The playlist is generated at random, unless specified otherwise by theuser, by the search/file sharing software. The application allows theuser to search a library connected to or part of the mobile device, i.e.files on his/her home computer. This search enables the user to playbacksongs in his own library. The application also allows the user tobreakdown the class intervals into single searches. This gives the userthe opportunity to create a playlist in conjunction with a musicgenerator.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patents, areincorporated herein by reference.

The invention and the manner and process of making and using it are nowdescribed in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable anyperson skilled in the art to which it pertains, to make and use thesame. It is to be understood that the foregoing describes preferredembodiments of the present invention and that modifications may be madetherein without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentinvention as set forth in the claims.

1. A computer-implemented method for providing a user with a combinationof exercise instructions matched to digital music beats-per-minute (BPM)comprising a) receiving exercise instructions and music from a set ofdata, the set of data comprising a set of exercise instructions and amusic list segmented by music beats-per-minute (BPM); b) inputting theset of data into a computer readable storage unit coupled to one or moreprocessors; c) configuring the processor to couple the exerciseinstructions with music from the music list segmented by musicbeats-per-minute; and d) deriving and storing in volatile ornon-volatile memory an association of the set of exercise instructionswith the music segmented by music beats-per-minute; wherein one or moresteps a)-d) are performed using one or more configured processors.
 2. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executableinstructions for performing the method-of claim
 1. 3. Acomputer-implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the exerciseinstructions are selected from a group consisting of verbal, visual orboth.
 4. A computer-implemented method according to claim 3, wherein theexercise instructions is to proper body alignment.
 5. Acomputer-implemented method according to claim 1, the method used forexercise specific routines selected from a group consisting of indoorcycling, elliptical trainers, stair climbers and stationary rowmachines.
 6. A computer-implemented method according to claim 1, furthercomprising two or music lists.
 7. A computer-implemented methodaccording to claim 6, wherein each music list represents an individualsection for an exercise specific routine.
 8. A computer-implementedmethod according to claim 7, wherein the user can select a previouslyselected music list or a previously selected combination of music lists.9. A computer-implemented method according to claim 5, wherein the usercan further select a level of skill for the exercise specific routine.